The pandemic disrupted more than college coursework ; some students lost jobs , faced food insecurity or eviction from homes . Indeed the threat of homelessness or hunger renders college plans insignificant by comparison . More commonly , students revealed that they felt disconnected , lonely and depressed . Some lacked access to Wifi , competed for computer time with siblings or lacked a quiet place to study . Difficulties reported by our students were reflected in plummeting enrollment for the summer and fall terms .
The CARES grant provided much needed relief and the PHSC Foundation , thanks to generous benefactors and employee donations , established the Foundation ’ s Support Our Students ( SOS ) fund that offered $ 200 gift cards to students for use in meeting any immediate needs . Over time , it became clear that returning to full campus-based operations was essential to student success and vital to college operations .
While students appreciate the convenience of virtual coursework , many prefer tackling more challenging content in person for more direct or immediate interaction with instructors — even if it is a few minutes of conversation after class dismisses . Courses that include hands-on learning elements or lab sections may also lend themselves to in-person instruction . Other students simply prefer campus-based classroom dynamics and enjoy the rapport that develops with instructors and classmates over the length of a semester .
In-person classes can also enhance the interpersonal skills of a generation of students whose social lives are dominated by social media . Body language , eye contact and expression play a significant role in communications offline , nuances that may be missed in virtual settings . Some professors feel that classroom teaching is more intuitive — allowing them to engage shy students in conversation or serving as coach and referee during impromptu classroom discussions that encourage the respectful exchange of ideas .
Campus life outside of the classroom is equally important to many students , with opportunities for involvement in the 70 plus clubs and organizations supported by Student Life and Leadership . Libraries and Academic Success Centers provide ready access to computers , study rooms and access to learning support materials and one-onone tutoring . Once routine , students now miss chance opportunities to meet with professors and classmates and getting together for lunch , study groups or club meetings .
Nursing instructor Thomas Mazzant , RN , oversees students in his nursing lab , keeping safety procedures in mind . Photo by Duane Powell .
A student survey revealed that students prefer a mix of virtual and in-person courses , but it was clear that students highly value on-campus interactions with faculty and support staff and on campus experiences . Taking action , administrators added a slate of 50 new in-person and hybrid classes to the mostly virtual spring term class offerings . Employees reported to work on January 4 and students returned a week later . All offices were open , staffed and available to students and the public . To ease financial burden , encourage prospective students to enroll , and to provide more flexibility in selecting classes , the college waived application fees and relaxed restrictions on dropping and adding spring term courses . The latest enrollment data demonstrate an upward trend for the college ’ s summer 2021 semesters .
With vaccinations becoming more available in the coming months and COVID-19 cases seemingly on the decline , PHSC ’ s fall schedule will include many more options for campus-based courses as well as a return to more on-campus events and activities — including commencement programs held virtually in the spring and fall of 2020 .
“ Our campuses are at the heart of the PHSC experience ,” said PHSC President Timothy L . Beard , Ph . D . “ Students benefit from personal interaction with professors , support staff and peers . Student organizations , athletics , intramural activities and community service projects provide opportunities to build leadership skills and friendships ,” continued Beard . “ Keeping students connected to campus life supports academic progress and is essential to the health and happiness of our students .”
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